IRON MAIDEN - Aces High 12" MAXI Vinyl Album

- A brutal soundtrack of aerial warfare, screaming riffs, and sky-shattering metal fury

large album front cover photo of: Iron Maiden Aces High Europe

Iron Maiden’s single “Aces High” captures the fierce drama of the Battle of Britain, told through the eyes of an RAF pilot fighting for survival in the skies against the German Luftwaffe in 1940. Released in 1984 as the opening track to Powerslave, the song became an anthem of speed, aggression, and patriotism, perfectly reflecting the spirit of aerial combat. With Bruce Dickinson’s soaring vocals and the band’s galloping riffs, “Aces High” is both a history lesson and a heavy metal classic immortalized on vinyl.

Iron Maiden - Aces High:
Album Description:

In the world of Heavy Metal, few bands have managed to capture the essence of history and heroism quite like IRON MAIDEN. From their iconic mascot, Eddie, to their legendary lyrics, their music has always been a journey through time and space. Today, we delve deep into the heart-pounding, sky-soaring epic that is "Aces High", as we explore the 12" MAXI Vinyl Album release in Europe.

The Battle of Britain: A Heroic Prelude

"Aces High" is a testament to the band's ability to turn history into sonic art. Written by lead singer Bruce Dickinson, the song takes us back to the summer of 1940 when the skies over Britain became a battleground. The Battle of Britain, fought between the British RAF and the German Luftwaffe, was a pivotal moment in World War II, and "Aces High" pays homage to the brave RAF pilots who defended their homeland against the relentless German onslaught.

A Musical Dogfight

As the needle touches the vinyl and the unmistakable guitar riffs of Dave Murray and Adrian Smith fill the air, you are instantly transported to the cockpit of a Spitfire. The galloping bass of Steve Harris and the thunderous drums of Nicko McBrain provide the perfect backdrop for Bruce Dickinson's soaring vocals.

The song's chorus, "Run, live to fly, fly to live, do or die", encapsulates the fearless spirit of those young pilots as they engaged in dogfights high above the English Channel. It's a battle cry that still resonates with fans of IRON MAIDEN and admirers of history alike.

The Making of the Album

Produced by the legendary Martin Birch, who had a long and fruitful collaboration with the band, "Aces High Europe" captures the raw energy and precision that are trademarks of IRON MAIDEN's sound. Birch's meticulous attention to detail ensured that every instrument and vocal track blended seamlessly to create a sonic masterpiece.

The album sleeve design, courtesy of Derek Riggs and The Artful Dodgers, is a work of art in its own right. Featuring the iconic Eddie as a fearless pilot in the cockpit of his Spitfire, the cover perfectly complements the album's theme. It's a visual feast for fans and collectors alike.

Iron Maiden - Aces High: A Sonic Battle Cry from the Skies of 1940
Song Description:

Rising from the smoky haze of a world at war, Iron Maiden’s "Aces High" launches into the stratosphere, a fiery anthem of courage and defiance. Released in 1984 as a fierce opening salvo for the album "Powerslave," this track is a sonic blitzkrieg that captures the indomitable spirit of the Battle of Britain, where brave RAF pilots soared into the sky to defend their homeland from the relentless Luftwaffe onslaught.

Set against the harrowing backdrop of 1940, "Aces High" transports listeners to a time when the fate of the free world hung in the balance. The song's narrative thrusts us into the cockpit of a Spitfire, engines roaring and adrenaline surging as we climb to meet the enemy. This is not just music; it is an auditory reenactment of history’s most pivotal aerial battle, where bravery and skill meant the difference between life and death.

Musically, "Aces High" is a tour de force of heavy metal brilliance. It begins with a blistering guitar riff that mimics the scream of an aircraft engine, instantly setting the stage for the high-octane tale that follows. Adrian Smith and Dave Murray's twin guitars weave a complex tapestry of soaring harmonies and searing solos, capturing the thrill and danger of aerial combat. Steve Harris’ bass lines gallop with relentless energy, echoing the heartbeat of a pilot locked in a deadly duel. Nicko McBrain's drumming is a relentless barrage, driving the song forward with the power of anti-aircraft fire. Bruce Dickinson's vocals, both commanding and urgent, deliver the story with a passion that transports the listener directly into the cockpit.

Heavy metal in the mid-'80s was undergoing a transformation, and Iron Maiden stood at the vanguard of this evolution. "Aces High" exemplifies the band’s ability to meld historical narratives with their signature sound, creating music that is both intellectually stimulating and sonically exhilarating. The track’s relentless pace and unforgettable chorus made it an instant classic, a testament to Iron Maiden’s unparalleled ability to craft epic, anthemic songs that resonate deeply with their audience.

Controversy has often shadowed Iron Maiden, and the release of "Aces High" was no exception. The band's unflinching portrayal of war and their use of historical imagery sparked debates among critics and fans alike. Some viewed the song as a glorification of conflict, while others hailed it as a tribute to the valor and sacrifice of those who fought. Regardless, "Aces High" solidified Iron Maiden’s reputation as bold storytellers unafraid to tackle complex and often contentious subjects.

Iron Maiden - Aces High (Official Video) :

Production & Recording Information:

Music Genre:

NWOBHM, Heavy Metal

Label & Catalognr:

EMI 1C K062 20 0385 6

Media Format:

12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram

Year & Country:

1984 – Europe

Producers:
  • Martin Birch
    Martin Birch: The man behind the soundboard, shaping iconic rock and metal anthems. His journey from sound engineer to legendary producer is a testament to passion and innovation. Read on his career
Album Cover Design & Artwork:
  • Derek Riggs – Album sleeve design
    Derek Riggs is a British artist best known for creating the iconic mascot Eddie for the heavy metal band Iron Maiden. His distinctive style, blending sci-fi, horror, and fantasy, has defined the band's visual identity since their debut album in 1980. Riggs’ artwork has appeared on numerous album covers, singles, and merchandise. Learn more about his work on this page .
  • The Artful Dodgers – Graphic Design
    The Artful Dodgers were a Hertfordshire-based graphic design company, fronted by Keith Peacock, Neil Smith, and Michael Faulkner. Known for their sharp, distinctive visual style in the 1980s, they collaborated with major rock and metal acts, creating memorable sleeve layouts and packaging that complemented the dramatic artwork of illustrators like Derek Riggs for Iron Maiden.

Band Members / Musicians:

Band Line-up:
  • Bruce Dickinson – Vocals
    Bruce Dickinson, born August 1958, is the powerhouse vocalist who propelled Iron Maiden to legendary status. Joining in 1981, his operatic range and electrifying stage presence defined albums like The Number of the Beast and Powerslave. A solo artist, pilot, and author, his legacy spans far beyond metal. Explore his journey here.
  • Dave Murray – Guitar
    Dave Murray, born 1956, is the melodic mastermind behind Iron Maiden‘s signature twin-guitar attack. A founding member, his fluid, expressive solos and harmonized leads have defined the band’s sound since 1975. With impeccable technique and a bluesy yet electrifying style, he’s a pillar of heavy metal guitar. Learn more about his journey here.
  • Adrian Smith – Guitar, Backing Vocals
    Adrian Smith, born 1957, is the riff architect behind Iron Maiden’s most electrifying anthems. Since joining in 1981, his intricate solos and melodic sensibility have shaped classics like Two Minutes to Midnight and The Trooper. A master of tone and technique, his legacy in metal is unmatched. Explore his story here.
  • Steve Harris – Bass Guitar, Backing Vocals
    Steve Harris, born 1956, is the mastermind behind Iron Maiden’s galloping bass lines and epic compositions. Founding the band in 1975, his songwriting shaped metal anthems like The Trooper and Hallowed Be Thy Name. A pioneer of NWOBHM, his legacy as a bassist and visionary is untouchable. Discover his journey here.
  • Nicko McBrain – Drums
    Nicko McBrain, born 1952, is the powerhouse drummer who has fueled Iron Maiden’s thunderous sound since 1982. With lightning precision and unrelenting groove, he’s driven classics like Powerslave and The Number of the Beast. From Trust to Pat Travers Band, his journey shaped a legendary career. Dive deeper into his story here.

Complete Track-listing:

Tracklisting Side One:
  1. Aces High
Video: Iron Maiden - Aces High (Official Video)
Tracklisting Side Two:
  1. King Of Twilight
  2. The Number Of The Beast (Live Version)
Video: Iron Maiden - The Number Of The Beast (Live) [HD]
Album Front Cover Photo
The front cover artwork of Iron Maiden's 'Aces High' European 12-inch Maxi Single vinyl record. The cover illustration depicts the band’s mascot Eddie as a fierce RAF pilot seated in the cockpit of a World War II fighter plane. The perspective is head-on, showing cracked bulletproof glass riddled with impact marks, Eddie’s snarling teeth and menacing eyes behind aviator goggles and a leather pilot cap. In the background, dogfights rage in the skies with Spitfires and German planes locked in combat amid smoke trails, while one aircraft spirals downward in flames.

This striking front cover of Iron Maiden’s Aces High maxi-single places the viewer inside a WWII dogfight, looking directly at Eddie, the band’s iconic mascot, reimagined as a grim RAF fighter pilot. The cracked and bullet-dented cockpit canopy dominates the frame, immersing us in the intensity of aerial combat.

Eddie’s face is rendered in menacing detail, with sharp, clenched teeth and piercing eyes staring through cracked goggles. His helmet and oxygen mask underline the wartime realism while contrasting with his monstrous visage. Reflections and shattered glass further heighten the sense of violent motion.

Behind the cockpit, the chaotic sky comes alive: British and German aircraft streak across, leaving smoky trails as they battle for dominance. One enemy plane bursts into flame and plunges earthward, emphasizing the deadly stakes. The dynamic composition, with planes crisscrossing and clouds torn apart by fire, echoes the song’s theme of survival in the Battle of Britain.

The band’s logo, bold in metallic green and black, spans the top of the artwork, while the song title Aces High appears below in icy blue letters. Additional text highlights its maxi-single 45 rpm format and promotional note for the live track The Number of the Beast, framing the cover as both musical release and cinematic wartime poster.

Album Back Cover Photo
The back cover of Iron Maiden's 'Aces High' European 12-inch Maxi Single. The artwork continues the wartime aircraft theme, showing the detailed side panel of a fighter plane with chipped paint, rivets, and bullet holes puncturing the metal. The Iron Maiden logo appears bold in red, flanked by a sequence of Eddie’s evolving faces, each slashed with red lines as if marking kills on the fuselage. The tracklist is printed in bold white lettering: Side A features 'Aces High', Side B includes 'King Of Twilight' and 'The Number Of The Beast (Live Version)'. Production credits to Martin Birch and illustration notes to Derek Riggs and The Artful Dodgers appear at the bottom. Catalog number EMI 1C K 062-20 0385 6 is printed in the upper right.

The back cover of Iron Maiden’s Aces High maxi-single transforms the reverse sleeve into the body of a WWII fighter plane. The surface is illustrated with riveted metal plating, chipped paintwork, and visible bullet impacts, reinforcing the aerial combat theme.

Prominently featured are five stylized portraits of Eddie, Iron Maiden’s mascot, each version crossed out with red lines like victory markings on a pilot’s fuselage, ending with a question mark suggesting the enemy yet to be defeated. Beneath, the iconic Iron Maiden logo blazes in blood-red lettering.

The tracklist is laid out in bold white handwritten-style text: Side A carries “Aces High,” while Side B offers “King Of Twilight” and a live version of “The Number Of The Beast.” Below, production credits name Martin Birch as producer and engineer, with Derek Riggs credited for illustration and The Artful Dodgers for design.

Small type at the bottom provides publishing information, and the EMI logo is stamped next to the track details. In the upper right, the catalog number “1C K 062 20 0385 6” is printed clearly, situating this as the European EMI release from 1984. The visual presentation is both militaristic and theatrical, perfectly complementing the ferocity of the music inside.

Close up of Side One record’s label
Side One record label of Iron Maiden's 'Aces High' European 12-inch Maxi Single. The label has a silver background with black EMI branding at the top, along with catalog number 1C K 062 20 0385 6. The central hole cuts through the label, and detailed track information is printed around it. Side One features the title track 'Aces High' credited to Steve Harris. The typography is bold, functional, and clear, typical of EMI releases of the mid-1980s. Fine print around the rim details rights societies and legal notices.

This image shows the Side One record label of Iron Maiden’s Aces High European maxi-single, pressed on 12-inch vinyl. The label is printed in a metallic silver tone, contrasting with the crisp black typography.

At the very top sits the bold EMI logo, anchoring the design with the catalog number “1C K 062 20 0385 6” printed clearly to the right. The track listing is centered around the spindle hole, with Aces High identified as the sole track on this side and credited to bassist and songwriter Steve Harris.

The overall design is clean and highly legible, with standard EMI rim text encircling the bottom, containing legal rights, publishing attributions, and pressing information. The layout reflects EMI’s mid-1980s production style, functional yet instantly recognizable to collectors.

Side Two Close up of record’s label
Close-up high resolution photo of Side Two record label for Iron Maiden's single Aces High, European pressing. The label is yellow with bold Iron Maiden logo at the top, printed in grey. It includes track listing with 'King of Twilight' and a live version of 'The Number of the Beast', production credits for Martin Birch, catalog number 1C K 062-20 0385 6 B, GEMA/ STEMRA rights information, and EMI branding.

This image shows the Side Two record label of Iron Maiden’s European 7-inch single Aces High. The label has a solid yellow background with black print and features the band’s iconic angular logo at the very top.

Just below the spindle hole, the text indicates the speed as 45 RPM, the side number (Seite 2), and the stereo format. The label lists two tracks: King of Twilight (a cover of Nektar, running 4:49, produced and engineered by Martin Birch), and a Live Version of The Number of the Beast (composed by Steve Harris, running 4:57, remixed by Martin Birch).

Around the edges, fine red text details copyright and reproduction restrictions, while the left side shows the catalog number 1C K 062-20 0385 6 B and the label code LC 0542. To the right, the rights society logos GEMA and STEMRA appear. At the bottom, the familiar EMI red rectangle logo completes the design.

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